The hotel, which hearkens back to the roadside motor lodges that popped up across the country in the ’30s and ’40s, is an easy stroll from downtown Tucson, so you can easily walk to all the hot spots on Congress Street. (Tip: If you need any restaurant recommendations, be sure to speak with Ryan, the Clifton’s manager. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the local dining scene. He recommended Diablo Burger, which is worth the visit just for the Belgian-style fries alone).

Here are some things I loved about staying at the Downtown Clifton (presented in no particular order – in list form – because I don’t want to forget anything):

– Ryan, the hotel’s friendly manager, unofficial concierge, and all-around local expert, who gives excellent happy hour/restaurant recommendations, and can give you the scoop on the Armory Park neighborhood, a historic neighborhood in a historic town that’s currently experiencing a real estate boom and all-around renaissance.

– The Crosley portable turntables in the lobby, which guests can check-out and take to their room to enjoy the luxury of falling asleep to the comforting sound of warm, scratchy vinyl. And, of course, the eclectic mix of LPs, which will make you feel like you’re flipping through your cool friend’s record collection.

– The vintage glassware in every room, including antique English corkscrews, bottle openers, and wine corks. There’s something about drinking out of a highball glass that makes everything taste a little better.

– The cozy, vibrant Southwestern throw on the bed, which is soft to touch. And the original art in every room, which is available for purchase.

– Armory Park, a neighborhood full of funky old Victorians, dusty adobes, historical markers, and unique shops, like my new favorite boutique, Bon.